Although the risk of poor health, and social and economic consequences 40 years after exposure to bullying was small - about 1.5 times the norm - the study said it was similar to that faced by children in care.

'Poorer mental health'

To collect their data, researchers asked parents if their child had been exposed to bullying, at ages seven and 11. More than a quarter said they had been bullied occasionally and 15% bullied frequently.

Over the years, researchers then carried out tests to see if the known effects of bullying persisted into adulthood.

Individuals were tested for psychological distress and general health at the ages of 23 and 50, for psychiatric problems at 45 and cognitive functioning, social relationships and well-being at 50.

The study found that those who were bullied in childhood were more likely to have poorer physical and mental health and cognitive functioning at 50.

“Start Quote

We need an urgent review of how bullying and cyberbullying is tackled in this country led by an anti-bullying tsar”

End QuoteEmma-Jane CrossBeat Bullying

Those who were bullied frequently were more likely to be depressed and have suicidal thoughts.

There were also social and economic consequences to childhood bullying.

Those bullied as children were more likely to be less educated, with men who were bullied more likely to be unemployed and earn less.

Social relationships were also affected with bullied individuals less likely to be in a relationship and to have good support from friends and family at 50.

'Early intervention'

Prof Louise Arseneault, senior study author, from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, said: "We need to move away from any perception that bullying is just an inevitable part of growing up. Teachers, parents and policy-makers should be aware that what happens in the school playground can have long-term repercussions for children.

“Start Quote

Responding to bullying must take on board this impact with long-term, follow-up support to minimise the pain and suffering many victims experience”

End QuoteLucie RussellYoung Minds

"Programmes to stop bullying are extremely important, but we also need to focus our efforts on early intervention to prevent potential problems persisting into adolescence and adulthood."

The study said the harmful effect of bullying remained even when other factors including childhood IQ, emotional and behavioural problems and parents' socioeconomic status were taken into account.

Prof Arseneault added: "Forty years is a long time, so there will no doubt be additional experiences during the course of these young people's lives which may either protect them against the effects of bullying, or make things worse. Our next step is to investigate what these are."

'Traumatic and painful'

Lucie Russell, director of campaigns and media at Young Minds, said the research highlighted that the effects of bullying are not just temporary.

"Bullying is traumatic and painful for every young person who experiences it and its long-term impact can lead to psychological damage for many years to come as this important study has shown.

"Responding to bullying must therefore take on board this impact with long-term, follow-up support to minimise the pain and suffering many victims experience throughout their lives."

Martha Evans, acting national co-ordinator for the Anti-Bullying Alliance said: "Parents/carers, teachers and children and young people all have a part to play in working together to create a society where bullying is not tolerated and where we all respond to bullying quickly and appropriately."

Emma-Jane Cross, CEO and founder of BeatBullying, said young people now faced even greater threats from cyberbullying and trolling, and called for more action.

"We can only assume that the consequences of bullying could be even more damaging for future generations.

"We need an urgent review of how bullying and cyberbullying is tackled in this country led by an anti-bullying tsar - covering the role of industry, schools and government, and ensuring that children who are bullied receive the counselling support they desperately need."

Comment number 240.

Anyway I have a bunch of undergraduate essays to second mark. Guess what is the hot topic from our educational psychology course insofar as our undergraduates are concerned?

Yes you have it - bullying. Perhaps those who believe that the research posted here is a waste of time might like to wonder why our younger generation appreciate its importance as a means of improving our own well being.

Comment number 193.

Anne18th April 2014 - 13:55

The sad thing about this is that it would not be quite as bad if bullying were solely confined to childhood. Unfortunately, it's just as prevalent, if not more so, in adulthood as well. The former group has some recourse to support; the latter, none.

Comment number 160.

Anne18th April 2014 - 13:22

We don't need a scientific study or a professor to tell us something that's pretty obvious to most of us: if a child is abused at a formative time in his or her life then of course there will be long-term repercussions. That's not rocket science. Since bullying constitutes abuse, whether verbal or physical, those that are bullied as children can expect to have long-term problems unless rectified.

Comment number 115.

Chris L18th April 2014 - 12:51

If thinking about it now and then is a negative effect then I still suffer but that's where it ends. When I was at school the cane, belt etc were prevalent and teachers took a great deal of enjoyment in handing out physical punishment, they also cast a blind eye to bullying. Teachers were the worst of all. For me, good responsible parenting is the key. Not only to protect but to prevent also..

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.